CALGARY, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
(“Oncolytics”) (TSX:ONC, NASDAQ:ONCY) announced today the appointment of Mary
Ann Dillahunty as Vice President, Intellectual Property.
“Ms. Dillahunty possesses a unique combination of experience in the
biopharmaceutical industry spanning several decades and ranging from patent
portfolio development and prosecution to regulatory affairs consulting,
business development and research science,” said Dr. Brad Thompson, President
and CEO of Oncolytics. “In addition, she has been involved with the
development of Oncolytics’ intellectual property portfolio since 1999 in her
role as Oncolytics’ external patent counsel. As part of our management team,
Ms. Dillahunty is expected to maximize Oncolytics’ patent potential for
REOLYSIN(R), while offering senior level counsel to the Company on its
strategic development.”
Prior to joining Oncolytics, Ms. Dillahunty was a principal in the law
firm of Fish & Richardson, a leading intellectual property firm in the U.S. In
1992, she joined the law firm of Burns, Doane, Swecker & Mathis (now part of
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney), and subsequently became a partner in the firm.
During 1996-1997, Ms. Dillahunty held the position of patent counsel to the
Implant Division of ALZA Corporation. Before joining Burns Doane, she was a
patent agent and law clerk with the law firm of Heller, Ehrman, White &
McAuliffe. Prior to focusing her career on patent law, Ms. Dillahunty held
numerous positions in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device
industries, including responsibilities in regulatory affairs and research
science. Ms. Dillahunty holds a B.S. in Microbiology from Michigan State
University, an MBA from George Washington University, and a JD degree from
Stanford Law School.
About Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the
development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics. Oncolytics’
clinical program includes a variety of Phase I and Phase II human trials using
REOLYSIN(R), its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus, alone and in
combination with radiation or chemotherapy. For further information about
Oncolytics, please visit www.oncolyticsbiotech.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning
of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Forward-looking statements, including the impact Ms. Dillahunty will have on
the development of the Company’s intellectual property and strategic
development and the Company’s belief as to the potential of REOLYSIN(R) as a
cancer therapeutic, alone, or in combination with other therapies, involve
known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company’s
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the
availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development
projects, the efficacy of REOLYSIN(R) as a cancer treatment, the success and
timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company’s ability to
successfully commercialize REOLYSIN(R), uncertainties related to the research
and development of pharmaceuticals, and uncertainties related to the
regulatory process. Investors should consult the Company’s quarterly and
annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for
additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward
looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these
forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
Released January 23, 2007